John (Jack) Sr. David Pomeroy

Pomeroy, John David Sr. (Jack)

John David Pomeroy Sr. (Jack), age 86, passed away peacefully on Sunday May 3, 2020, at Providence Care Hospital, Kingston, Ontario.  Jack was born in Portsmouth on January 19, 1934 to his late parents Gilbert John Pomeroy and Ann Margaret Hector.  He was also predeceased by his brother Hector.

He was the beloved husband to Irene King Pomeroy, whom he married on January 12, 1957.  Sixty-three years of treasured marriage to Irene and a loving family produced three children, Margaret Desrochers (Dennis), Katherine Pomeroy (Bruce), and John Pomeroy III (Jennifer).  Jack also leaves behind six much-loved grandchildren, Lindsay, Jamie, Danielle, Christa, Michael and John.  Roger (Gail) a loved member of the family also.  Many nieces, nephews and cousins are also left behind. 

Jack attended public school in Portsmouth and high school at KCVI.  At age 17 he enlisted in the Canadian Provost Corps, serving as a military policeman.  Serving in Canada and the Far East (British Commonwealth Forces), he was a veteran of the Korean War.  He was also stationed in Japan.  Jack often recalled being in Korea in July 1953 at the end of the war, and listening to the live broadcast with fellow soldiers, of the signing of the Korean Armistice that ended the conflict. 

After discharge from the Canadian Military, Jack started what became a 35 - year career with the Kingston Police Force.  Beginning as a constable, motorcycle officer, he later rose to sergeant and finally sergeant-detective.  He would eventually retire in 1991 to enjoy a long and prosperous retirement. 

He would rarely discuss when he once saved a man from a burning apartment.   While on night patrol he noticed a building on fire near Richardson Stadium, and ran into the building and grabbed the man from the flames, and pulled him to safety.  He also proudly recalled escorting then Prime Minister John Diefenbaker with security during a visit to Kingston in the early 1960’s.  Jack also assisted with police services during the visit of the Queen to Kingston, for the Olympic sailing events in 1976.  Until his death he proudly remained a policeman, it defined what he did and who he was.

An avid traveler in retirement he and Irene would often travel to Western Canada for many vacations and also several trips to the Southern USA to escape the winter.  He would become a blooming artist in his older years, painting nature and other favorite subjects.  Gardening, walking, photography, reading, and a huge collection of music (opera, country and western, jazz, pop, and others) would be a lifelong passion.  A natural conversationalist, he enjoyed long chats with the countless people he befriended along the way. 

Also brought up in the age of letter writing - into his late years he defied the internet and would write letters and cards in perfect penmanship.  He reached out regularly to family and the many friends and acquaintances he had met over the years – quite likely including a photograph he had taken with the note.  

Jack was also a kind and gentle man who greatly believed in kindness and humility – and practiced it with anybody he would interact with and meet.  In his last years his doctors had a difficult time getting an honest answer out of him.  Jack always answered them politely and cheerfully rather than telling them his actual condition.  Pleasantry was his trademark until the end. 

We will never be the same without you Jack.  We will hold onto the sweet and precious memories of you in our hearts forever.  “Grief is the price we pay for love.”

Burial at Cataraqui Cemetery in the family plot will occur at a later date. 

The family also extends a special thanks to Dr. Marian Luca and all the medical teams that helped with Jack’s care. 

IN THE CARE OF

TROUSDALE FUNERAL HOME

BOX 264, 4374 MILL ST.

SYDENHAM ONTARIO

(613)376-3022

www.trousdalefuneralhome.com   

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